Economics is the study of choices. These choices are often financial, but they may extend beyond the realm of money to concerns about quality of life, happiness and success. We will examine choices both on a small (micro) and large (macro) scale. We will also look at how virtually all political decisions are made in the context of our economy. You will begin to see how the economic decisions you make have become an indirect method of voting.

All of our economic choices are increasingly interrelated to other economies. You engage in decisions about purchases, borrowing, education, etc. every day. Each of these decisions "costs" something. These costs could be in terms of dollars, time, responsibilities to a job, community service, jail sentences, etc. By examining the consequences of our economic decisions, I hope to help you become better informed about the choices available to you. I also hope to show you that your local decisions have global implications.

For example, every time you buy a cup of coffee, you are sending a signal to the international coffee market that you approve of the conditions under which that coffee is grown and processed. You are also saying that you approve of the way the industry has priced that commodity. Is this your intention? Would you change your mind if you knew that some farmers in Central America are losing their farms because they cannot make enough of a profit given the global prices of coffee beans? Case studies like this will help us define more of the economic costs of production. We will use these analyses to decide what policies our government should pursue in the global economy. We will also make recommendations to our local governmental officials on how our local community can address some of the issues we discover.

I hope you find this to be a challenging and eye-opening semester.

Essential (focus) Question:Should the United States pursue a policy that promotes "fair trade"? Final Product: Each student will answer this question through a research paper and group presentation. These will include recommendations on how local governments and communities can address some of the consequences identified in your research. Any student that earns an average of 90% on both the essay and presentation will be exempt from taking the final exam. (See my website for specific topics)

Alternative forms of business structures III.Macroeconomics Looking at labor

unionization

minimum wage

unemployment insurance

Regional differences The President's Dilemma (project-Students write an essay defending their position on this debate. The paper must be framed in the current budget situation where there is high deficit spending with many programs being slashed.) Describe the function of financial markets Non-monetary costs to production Fiscal Policy Monetary policy IV. Globalization: Free trade vs. Fair Trade

Be sure that your words and actions respect every member of the class- apologize if this does not happen

Have a sense of humor

Do the homework- this will make everything much easier (this is what the "real world" calls preparation)

Get to class on time- I begin promptly at 12:10PM- you may miss a quiz!

Actively participate in class discussions

Stay on task during class time

Keep all returned work as though they are receipts

Actively seek help from Mr. Clardy if you feel yourself getting behind

If in doubt, ask questions

Please do not do the following while in class:

Leave on your cell phone- I will relieve you of its burden

Be late- if you are, make no noise. If this is a habit, we will need to discuss the issue in private

Eat in class

Use foul language

Final Note

I thoroughly enjoy working with students your age. I appreciate your energy, your curiosity and the various challenges that you face. Please know that I am committed to helping you succeed. If I am hard on you it is because I have high expectations of the students in this program. So long as you commit to putting forth honest effort, I will give you all the support I can.